Governor Commiserates with Military, Families as Rescue Operations Continue in Ilaje

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has expressed deep sorrow and profound commiseration over the tragic crash of a military aircraft in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s condolence message follows the official confirmation by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, of the disappearance and subsequent crash of military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, which was en route to Lagos from Benin.

According to the statement released by the Minister, the aircraft which had 32 persons on board, comprising 25 passengers and 7 crew members, lost contact with Air Traffic Controllers at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, after all efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive. The wreckage was later located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with search and rescue operations currently ongoing.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s office in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy and a painful loss to the nation and to Ondo State in particular, where the crash occurred.

He said, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of grief that we received the news of the crash of the military aircraft NGR 931 near Igbokoda. On behalf of the government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the entire Nigerian military, and the families of the officers and passengers involved in this unfortunate incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the gallant officers and crew members who have dedicated their lives to the service of our nation. This is a moment of collective grief, and we stand in solidarity with the Armed Forces at this difficult time.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the swift response of rescue agencies and the cooperation pledged by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while assuring that the Ondo State Government will provide all necessary support to aid the ongoing search and rescue operations in Igbokoda.

He also disclosed that he has directed the State Emergency Management Agency and relevant security agencies in the state to collaborate fully with the military and federal authorities to ensure a coordinated response on the ground.

The Governor prayed for divine mercy and strength for the families of those on board, and for the repose of the souls of those who may have lost their lives in the crash, while urging residents of Igbokoda and the riverine communities to remain calm and to support rescue efforts with useful information.

The Ondo State Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the appropriate authorities.